A contemporary Australian arid garden features a large curved timber pergola structure, rust-coloured corten steel walls, red gravel, and native plants.
Small Show Garden Silver Gilt Medal

Journey Beyond the Tracks: From Adelaide to Perth

Designed by Maximillian Parker-Smith
Photo: GardensDB
About this garden

The story

This suburban garden is inspired by a journey on the Indian Pacific, one of Australia's epic train routes, linking the coastal cities of Adelaide and Perth by traversing the stunning and unique Outback landscape. The design nods to both cities' commitment to urban greening and reflects the diverse environments of South Australia and Western Australia.

A garden structure, echoing the shape and interior of a train carriage, divides the space. One side captures the wild Western Australian outback with tiered sand beds and native planting while the other represents Adelaide's green urban vision as a National Park City, featuring trees and natural water corridors.

Reclaimed timber, ochre-coloured eco-concrete, stone, aggregate, and low-carbon metals are used throughout. Inside the pergola, modern timber panelling is mirrored on the boundary wall, framing a quiet seating area. The central dining space nestles among sand-loving plants, celebrating Western Australia's 8,000+ endemic species. Overall, the garden pays tribute to the more than 450 national parks and reserves found across South Australia and the rich biodiversity of Western Australia as one of the world's internationally recognised hotspots.

The plants are being reused in Kensington Gardens, London and hard landscaping is being relocated to a new garden at Longleat.

Award

Recognition

  • Silver Gilt Medal
    RHS
The people behind it

Designer

Step inside

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Photography

Gallery

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Photo:
Planting

Plant list

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Key Plants 5

Anigozanthos 'Bush Elegance'
Callistemon spp.
Eucalyptus spp.
Grevillea
Hakea
Brought to life by

Organisations

Landscaper 1

Plant Provider 1